Sen. Dan Brown Legislative Column: Keeping the Wheels Rolling

Sunday

Dec 2, 2012 at 1:00 PMDec 2, 2012 at 2:00 PM

With the holiday season fully under way, the Capitol decorated for Christmas, and the new legislative session fast approaching, I'm excited to be in Jefferson City representing the fine folks of my district.

State Sen. Dan Brown (District 16)

With the holiday season fully under way, the Capitol decorated for Christmas, and the new legislative session fast approaching, I'm excited to be in Jefferson City representing the fine folks of my district.

Many people assume that when the session adjourns in May, the legislative process ends in that time frame as well.

The truth is that being a legislator is a full time job. Besides drafting legislation during and after the session, and prefiling bills for the upcoming session, there are hearings, speaking engagements and contact with various constituents practically every day of the year.

Prefiled bills are assigned bill numbers starting Dec. 1. Senior lawmakers are given the first numbers, such as SB1, SB2 and so on. The lower the number of the bill, the earlier it is brought before the legislative body, giving it more opportunity for debate.

In the upcoming session, I have prefiled two bills: the first one deals with paycheck protection and the second reforms the prevailing wage system. These bills will be assigned numbers next week, and you may read the details on my senate webpage linked below.

I would like to extend my best wishes to you all for this Christmas season. Whether you are visiting with family, traveling, decorating for the holidays or simply roasting chestnuts over an open fire, it is my sincere wish for you to have the happiest of holidays.

Always feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments, questions, or issues by calling my office at (573) 751-5713 or by visiting www.senate.mo.gov/brown.

Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.